Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Dec 6: "I had slapped the person who demolished the first dome of the Babri Masjid. There was no plan of demolishing the Masjid on that day," said seer of Pejawar Math, Sri Vishweshatheertha Swamiji recalling old memories.

Speaking to the press, Pejawar swamiji said, "I do not have any part in demolition of the Masjid. When I was reciting hymns in front of the homa, stones fell on the dome suddenly. When I left the pooja and ran inside the Masjid, a group of youths was celebrating the demolition of the dome. I slapped the cheek of the karsevak who had brought the structure down and scolded him on the spot. I have not demolished the Masjid and did not provoke the demolition also. Do not accuse me without any reason. All are giving statements without knowing the fact. Know the truth by asking the saints, sages, politicians and media of that time."

"Keeping in mind the maintaining of law and order, Let the central government take a public poll with regards to the construction of the Ram Mandir. Ram Mandir protest needs to be held when the elections are round the corner. BJP came to power claiming to build the Ram Mandir. Though the Modi government has completed four and a half years of rule, the Mandir is not built," ridiculed Pejawar swamiji.

"Is there no value to the aspirations of the people in the government?" questioned the Sree. The Seer further urged, "Let the central government either take out an ordinance or conduct a public poll throughout the country. Referendum might be expensive. Maintenance of law and order might be a challenge. But the Ram Mandir needs to be built."

"Muslim community should not be insulted or scolded in the Janagraha meeting. I have taken care that Muslims are not ridiculed in the events in which I have participated. The activists and leaders of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal should not speak words that will pain the Muslim community," requested the Pejawar swamiji.